Perspective: Prayer is essential

The United States is in the midst of a political onslaught enlivened by the Republican and Democratic conventions. It reminds me of a new form of football where trash talk is highly valued. There is plenty of trash talk and neither side can claim purity. This may be the highest level of such talk and lowest civility in an election we have seen in the modern era.

I get tired of the political doublespeak—it is hard to discern sincerity and honesty among the candidates. It is interesting that we now have organizations that make their living sorting out fact from fiction in the political arena. Add to the candidates the political action groups that spin their own trash talk, and you are set for some slimy input into the political process.

Elections have taken on a life of their own in America, and it is becoming harder and harder to find people to elect who possess wisdom, integrity and moral straightness. But don’t give up or despair. There are many very good individuals who do want to serve the people and desire to make a difference in the future of this state and nation. Godly wisdom and insight will be necessary in choosing the candidates who will talk right, live right, lead right and legislate right.

I am very appreciative to Greg Frizzell, who serves as the prayer and spiritual awakening specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. God has used him to write many resources to help us pray and seek the face of our Lord. Greg Frizzell has done us all a great favor in producing a new book just for the elections called Forty Days of Seeking God: For Revival, Elections and Key Leaders.

This book is designed to guide you as you pray for our nation in this critical election season. It is a 40-day systemic approach to be used as you seek the wisdom of God in preparing to make election decisions. I strongly encourage you to order a copy of his book from the Prayer and Spiritual Awakening Office (pjones@bgco.org or 405/942-3800, ext. 4517).

Prayer is always essential in our daily walk as we try to make our way through this sin-infested and broken world. Much of our praying is about “us four and no more.” I urge you to step above the end-of-your-nose praying to extend your praying for our nation and the decisions that will be made in this election. Our future, and more importantly the future of our children and grandchildren, will be directly impacted by the decisions made on Nov. 6, 2012.

About the time I want to give up and walk away from the political process and casting my vote, I am reminded of something. This summer, I made another trip to East Asia. There the political speak is one-sided—no debate over issues; no decisions about political candidates is required. Laws are not up for debate, and legislative action is decided before the vote. The will of the people is not important, appreciated or respected.

So, even though we must wade through the hip-deep pile of political doublespeak and trash talk, it ain’t so bad. In fact, I would say, “What a country is this land of the free and home of the brave! How awesome that the Lord God of Heaven has shown us His favor by allowing us to live in such a land. What a remarkable privilege to pray and gain wisdom and insight so we can vote for leaders who will lead us down the right path. We are blessed beyond measure!”

Therefore, pray and become active in the political process by supporting the candidates you believe will give the best leadership for this state and nation. There are many worthy of your support, but all will be in vain unless you plan to enter the polling booth and cast your ballot in November.

Translator

Messenger Staff

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